If you're suffering from neck pain, visiting a chiropractor should be one of your first steps. They'll help determine the source of the discomfort, whether it's stress, a herniated disc, or an auto accident injury. If the problem has to do with the alignment of your vertebrae and muscles, they can offer several treatment options.

The Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can be a result of unhealthy daily habits and poor posture. Some types of injury can also cause damage to all the tissues of the neck, including joints, muscles, and ligaments, which can cause pain directly and can also result in muscle fatigue as your neck muscles try to compensate for the injury. Finally, neck pain can come from several conditions related to aging, including arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and narrowing of the passageways in the spine that nerves run through.

Chiropractic Treatments for Neck Pain

1. Neck Adjustment

This type of treatment is used for chronic neck pain due to conditions like arthritis. By carefully manipulating the bones of your neck, a chiropractor can correct misalignments that put extra tension on muscles and joints. They may do this by hand or using special tools that deliver a measured amount of force. You may need more than one adjustment to correct a chronic issue.

2. Mobilization & Massage

To improve neck movement and relieve stiffness, a chiropractor will use mobilization techniques. This means guiding your neck through slow movements designed to improve its range of motion and release any areas that are binding up. They may also offer targeted massage for muscle relaxation. This is effective when your neck is stiff and sore because of muscle fatigue or stress.

3. Exercise

If your neck pain is caused by poor posture, you need to correct it and improve the balance of the muscles in your neck and shoulders to keep the problem from recurring. To do this, your chiropractor will teach you a range of exercises targeted toward your individual needs. These will stretch or strengthen your neck muscles so they can more easily hold your head in the correct position without strain.

For neck pain treatment in the Cincinnati area, visit American Health Chiropractic. Based in Milford, OH, they have almost three decades of experience and use modern diagnostic tools, including X-rays and ultrasounds, to ensure you're getting the correct treatment for any issue you're experiencing. You can learn more about their techniques on their website or make an appointment today at (513) 576-6699.